Assessment of Climate Change Impact, Resistant Behavior, and Adaptation Possibilities on 16th to 18th Century CE Mughal Period’s Brick Monumental Structures of Haryana Region of the Indian Subcontinent

Abstract

The value of the monumental structures of the Mughal era (1526 CE-1761 CE) of the Haryana region of India lies not only in its role as a witness to the rise and fall of the Mughal and Colonial eras, but also because it provides physical evidence for the austere tradition of give and take comprising the living knowledge and skill of Islamic architecture and indigenous skills, along with the geological origin of raw materials, artificial manufacturing, longevity, and durability of these huge earth-based masonry structures. Unfortunately, alterations due to the vagaries of weather and climate have badly affected the monumental structures, with even more damage possible in the future. Therefore, the objective of this work is the assessment of these monumental structures in terms of conservation and restoration work. Their survival thus far has been due to differences between the past and present climatic conditions, the structural strength of the monuments as a whole, and the durable characteristics of masonry materials. Hence, the identification of the environment affecting the monuments, and the intrinsic nature of masonry materials are valuable for determination of the expected stability and durability, and adaptation possibilities of monumental structures. Deterioration can be minimized by creating and retaining resilient environments around the monuments, which involves different approaches to planning, design, operation, management, value, and governance, and the use of suitable masonry materials as an adaptive measure, along with continuous monitoring of the actual impact.